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(^S] 



Early History of Lambertville, N. J, 



FOREWORD 

This Historical and Traditional Narrative of 
Lambertville, N. J., comprises a collection of facts 
told me by the aged grandsons of Emanuel Coryell, the 
founder of this city, and also by his great-great-grand- 
children, who were the companions of my youth. 

Much of this knowledge has been confirmed or cor- 
rected by old letters and documents kindly furnished 
me by descendants of the Coryell family. 

I have also mentioned many events that have 
transpired within my own recollection, having been 
born in the place on the thirteenth day of September, 
eighteen hundred and twenty-one. Since that time my 
residence here has been a continuous one, being at the 
time of the writing of this article eighty-one years of 
age. # 

SARAH A. GALLAGHER. 



HISTORY 



T 



wo HUNDRED YEARS AGO, ill 1703, Wil- 
liam Biddle, Jr., John Mills and John 
Reading, acting for the Province of 
West Jersey, negotiated with two 
Indian Chiefs, Himhammoe and Copponnock- 
ous, for the purchase of the township of Old 
Amwell, which was ceded to the Province, to 
the lasting satisfaction of the natives and the 
Province as well. 

This Council, in their permission for the sale, 
strictly ordered the three commissioners to go 
to the "Wigwam" of Himhammoe and there 
have the deed properly executed and the lands 
marked off; also, a like treaty with Coppon- 
nockous, who held possession of the more 
westerly portion of the original tract. 

This tract contained about 150,000 acres, 
and was purchased for £700, then divided into 
proprietary shares of five thousand acres each, 
of which Benjamin Field took his portion in 
two lots, one of three thousand acres, fronting 
on the Delaware river, from Lambertville, 
southward, thence east, and the other, two 
(5) 



thousand acres, in and around Ringoes, of 
which Field conveyed a smaller tract of two 
hundred acres, to certain land speculators in 
succession. 

John Holcombe, a resident of Abbington 
township, Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, 
on the i6tli of November, 1705, purchased 
three hundred and fifty acres of land of 
Richard Wilson, of Bucks county, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

This land was in New Jersey, and was that 
tract south of Alexsauken creek, bordering the 
Delaware river on the west, and Coat's line 
on the south, extending through the city of 
Lambertville, between Delevan and Jefferson 
streets, and extending easterly from the river 
to a distance of about one and one-half miles. 

The purchase was made on this wise : First, 
he leased the tract of land for the sum of 5 
shillings, and for a release paid f 100 sterling, 
in our currency $1.40, per acre. 

As the township of Amwell had only been 
purchased from the Indians two years before, 
his purchase as a resident owner ranks him 
among the earliest in all this region. 

John Holcombe was married to Elizabeth 
Woolrich, of Abbington, Pa., according to the 
order of "Friends," as the minutes of the 
Abbington meeting will show, on fourth 

(6) 




HON. JOHN LAMBERT. 
Born May, 1746. Died February, 1823. 



1703—1903 



Early History 



OF 



Lambertville, N. J. 



By SARAH A. GALLAGHER 



TRENTON, N. J.: 
MacCrEllish & Qtjiglsy, Printses. 

1903. 






c^/»3 Zip 2- 

The ladies of the Improvement Band of the First 
Baptist Church, who pubhsh the Early History of 
Lambertville, are indebted to Mr. J. A. Anderson for 
the gift of the photographs from which the engravings 
have been prepared. 



month, twenty-eighth clay, in the year seven- 
teen hundred and seven. 

To them were born six children, three sons 
and three daughters. The sons were John, 
Samuel and Richard. John died a young man, 
unmarried. Samuel married Eleanor Barber, 
and had seven sons and two daughters. 

Dr. George L. Romine, Dr. Frank Larison, 
Alexander H. Titus and others of the Hol- 
combe family, who are residents of the town 
at the present time, 1902, are the lineal de- 
scendants of Samuel Holcombe. 

Richard was married twice, his first wife 
being Mary Harvey, his second, Ann Emley, 
by whom he had two children. The first, a 
son, whose name was John, lived near Lam- 
bertville. His death occurred in 1851, at the 
family homestead, which is now known as 
"Washington's Headquarters," from the fact 
that this "Commander" was entertained there 
during his short stay in this vicinity, in 1778. 

In 1 73 1, nearly thirty years after its pur- 
chase from the Indians, this region was still a 
"howling wilderness," and still inhabited by 
the "Red Men." The forests were infested 
with "Wolves, Foxes and Panthers." But 
civilization was advancing, and the Govern- 
ment put a price on their heads for their ex- 
termination. 

(7) 



Between the years 1720- 1730, a young man, 
from the eastern part of the Province, more in 
quest of fortune than of fame, came here and 
settled along the banks of the "Delaware," and 
constructed a "Hut" in which to dwell. 

He was, evidently, both shrewd and enter- 
prising. Seeing his opportunity, he embraced 
it, by buying an extensive tract of land and 
beginning traffic with the Indians. 

The shortest and most direct route between 
New York and Philadelphia was the "Indian 
Path" through the forest to the river, along 
whose banks he had his "Hut," and tradition 
tells us that, at this time, he was the only white 
man in this region. 

In 1732 this man applied to King George 
II. for the exclusive right of a ferry three miles 
above and the same distance below his "Hut." 

This he obtained, calling it "Coryell's 
Ferry," from his own name (which was 
Emanuel Coryell), a name it retained for 
eighty years, and one that was notable in his- 
tory during the Revolution. 

In that same year (1732) he built a com- 
modious and (for the time) imposing stone 
house, which was an Inn for the travelling 
public. 

The house now owned and occupied (1902) 
by the heirs of the late Griffith Williams is on 
(8) 



the site of the original "Ferry House." It was 
a very pretty location, as the ground sloped to 
the creek. 

The canal and canal banks are responsible 
for its present elevated perch. 

An addition was built to the "Ferry House" 
in after years, which was left standing for 
some time after the original was razed, and 
was leased to tenants. 

Mr. Sydney Blackwell tore down the addi- 
tion and built the present edifice. It also con- 
tained a tablet on which was cut the date, 1749- 
(Mr. Daniel Gallagher is authority for this 
last statement, as he saw the tablet and date 
when Mr. Blackwell was tearing it down.) 

Tradition says that the "Hut" was the tavern 
until the "Ferry House" was occupied, and 
that its location was on the corner of Main and 
York streets, on the site where the Episcopal 
Church now stands. 



(9) 



The Old Well.* 

In vain ask the question, "Who dug it?" 
Tradition attempts not to tell, 

And history also is silent 
About this extremely old well. 

But history tells of the "Mansion," 

As built by Emanuel Coryell, 
And that in his yard was dug deeply 

This ancient and freely used well. 

The "Mansion," an inn for wayfarers, 
Not far from the Ferry it stood. 

No doubt in its day it was useful. 
But harm did along with the good. 

For gold, rum was sold to its patrons. 

The evil it did who can tell? 
'Twere better for buyer and seller 

Had all slaked their thirst at the well. 

Tradition and history tell us 

That the army from Valley Forge, 

When on their way over to Monmouth 
To battle with hosts of King George, 

Crossed the river at Coryell's Ferry, 
And camped here for resting a spell, 

Commander-in-chief and his soldiers 
Drinking freely from this same old well. 

I remember the well in my childhood, 
The old curb just ready to fall, 

The moss, like a soft velvet cushion. 
That covered with green the old wall. 



•lyocated on South Union street, on the east side of the site of the 
old Ferry House. 

(10) 



I remember the yard and the garden, 
The beautiful slope to the brook, 

But the march of improvement has marred it, 
Not at all like the same does it look. 

The earth it contained was all wanted. 
Wheelbarrows and carts, men and all, 

Have carted away yard and garden, 
Barely leaving the well and its wall. 

The "Mansion," again I speak of it. 
Don't wonder that on it I dwell. 

There my eyes to the light I first opened. 
And supped my first drink from its well. 

The house that now stands there so lofty 
Was built on the site of the old, 

With the well, that once useful appendage, 
Left outside the yard "in the cold." 

This new lofty house now reminds me 
Of friends that we often may meet : 

As soon as they find they don't need us. 
Like the well we're left out in the rtreet. 

Some feet of the top of the old wall 
Was cut from the well in a lump. 

And in place of the curb and the windlass, 
It's modernized now with a pump. 

And now the old well looks so lonely. 

No longer so high nor so deep. 
So changed since the day when its waters 

Were drawn from its depth by a sweep. 

It seems like an humble old cast-out, 
Dispensing its good like a saint. 

Refreshing the weary and thirsty 
And those who are ready to faint. 

(II) 



Who are they? Vain question; why ask it? 

Oblivious their course is now run ; 
One century hence the same question 

May be asked of the works we have done. 

Where are they? Go ask the old graveyard, 
Embosomed they lie in its breast, 

The digger, the builder, the owner. 

They long since have gone to their rest. 

To rest — many years have been numbered 
Since mingled their dust with the earth; 

Their spirits returned to their Maker, 
The God who at first gave them birth. 

1732 seems to have been an eventful year 
in Emanuel Coryell's history, for it was in this 
year his son Cornelius was born. 

Emanuel Coryell died when comparatively a 
young man, being less than fifty years of age, 
and was buried in his field in sight of his late 
dwelling, the "Ferry House." 

Four sons survived him, and in the division 
of his real estate the heirs apportioned the 
burial plot in which their father was buried to 
be a "Grave Yard" for his descendants forever. 
It is the same on which the Presbyterian 
Church now stands. 

It seems to be a singular act of neglect that 
in this "Grave Yard" no stone marks the rest- 
ing place of the first white resident and founder 
of this city. 

(12) 




MONUMENT OF GEORGE CORYELL. 



His sons and grandsons also were remark- 
able for longevity. 

A coffin-shaped stone, hewn from the 
granite of his own "Goat Hill," records the 
names of two of those sons. Cornelius, about 
whom I have previously spoken, died in the 
hundredth year of his age, being ninety-nine 
years and six months old. 

His brother Abram's record on the same 
stone is ninety-one years. 

John Coryell, a grandson, died October 31st, 
1 86 1, in the ninetieth year of his age. 

It may interest some of my readers to know 
that a modest monument marks the resting 
place of George Coryell, son of Cornelius, who 
died in this city in 1850, aged ninety-one years. 

He was a fellow-Mason with George Wash- 
ington in the Masonic Lodge at Alexandria, 
Va., and, as is stated on the monument, the 
last survivor of the six men who laid the 
"Father of his Country" in his tomb. Lest 
some one question the historic accuracy of this 
statement, it should be mentioned that, as a 
member of the lodge, next in degree, Mr. 
Coryell was called on to take the place of one 
of the six pall-bearers selected — (Lieutenant) 
Moss, who was taken ill. 

Mr. Coryell was a personal acquaintance of 
George Washington through connecting cir- 

(13) 



cumstances in his youth, and through his influ- 
ence was induced to go to Alexandria, when he 
eventually married the daughter of Commo- 
dore Hamilton, U. S. N. Here he continued 
to be a resident citizen until he was an aged 
man and retired from all business. 

His family all gone, he then returned to his 
native home to spend the remnant of his days 
among his remaining kindred. 

The writer was well acquainted with Mr. 
Coryell, and talked with him about George 
Washington's fvmeral, knowing that he had 
been one of the bearers on that occasion. 

He told her that after the body had been 
lowered in the grave, with appropriate cere- 
monies, each member of the lodge drew from 
his right hand his glove and threw it on the 
coffin. 

The writer attended Mr. Coiyell's funeral, 
and not a glove was thrown in the grave, but 
his brother Masons, with the ceremonies of 
their order, threw on his coffin a little branch 
of evergreen. 

The Rev. Dr. P. O. Studdiford delivered 
very impressive services on that occasion. 

During the summers of 1776- 1777, when 
Washington was retreating through New Jer- 
sey, and watching the movements of Lords 
Howe and Cornwallis, to prevent their seizing 
(14) 



and occupying Philadelphia, Cornelius Coryell, 
the son of Emanuel, made himself useful to 
Washington, both as a guide and in every other 
way possible. 

The army was divided into three canton- 
ments, the middle one coming to Coryell's 
Ferry. 

Redoubts and batteries were cast vfp on the 
Pennsylvania side of the river. 

Washington reconnoitered and took obser- 
vations from the hills and prominent surround- 
ings. There is a flat rock near a spring on 
"Goat Hill," known as "Washington's dining 
rock," on which he is said to have dined on 
one of these occasions. Also another on the 
south side of the same hill called "Pinnacle 
Rock," from which the most extensive view 
could be taken. The western shore of the 
"Ferry" performed a very prominent part in 
the history of 1776, both in collecting and 
secreting boats all along the Delaware, as well 
as sheltering them behind the small island of 
"Malta," one and one-half miles below the 
"Ferry." 

In these boats the loyal troops were con- 
veyed across the icy "Delaware" at "Mc- 
Konkey's" on Christmas, and surprised and 
captured the enemy at Trenton on the follow- 
ing day, December 26th, 1777. 
(15) 



Cornwallis had previously heard of boats 
being collected at "Coryell's Ferry," and sent 
spies up on the New Jersey side, but they saw 
nothing to verify the report, and dared not 
cross the river and face the frowning batteries 
on that side. 

Nearly every foot of the shores of the 
"Ferry" is full of interest to the student of 
historic lore pertaining to the Revolution as 
enacted here. The whole section abounds with 
incidents connected with the Colonial and 
Revolutionary days. 

At Coryell's Ferry, on the Pennsylvania side 
of the river, it is said that Washington, with 
Generals Wilham Alexander (Lord Stirling), 
Green and others who were in command of 
the troops at that time, planned the "Battle of 
Trenton," which we have already mentioned. 

General Benedict Arnold (The Traitor) was 
at Coryell's Ferry, June i6th, 1777, and from 
there wrote to General Washington. 

On the 29th of July, 1777, we find the 
honored and lamented Alexander Hamilton, 
then a Captain of Artillery, writing to the 
Honorable Robert Morris from the same place. 

Colonel James Monroe, afterward President 
of the United States, was also quartered at a 
farm-house a little below the Ferry, 1776. 

In June, 1778, when the British evacuated 
(16) 



Philadelphia, to avoid being caught in a trap, 
Washington broke camp at "Valley Forge" 
and came to the Ferry, crossing over into v^hat 
is now Lambertville. His soldiers camped in 
an orchard, which is now one of the business 
portions of our city, viz., the northeast corner 
of Bridge and Union streets. 

While here General Washington penned the 
following letter to Major-General Arnold: 

Headquarters near Coryell's, 

June 22d, 1778. 
To Major General Arnold, 

Sir: — I have the honor to inform you, that I am now 
in New Jersey, and that nearly all of the troops have 
passed safely across the river, at Coryell's. 

The latest intelligence I have, respecting the enemy, 
was yesterday, from Gen. Dickinson, who said, they 
were, on that morning, at "Mount Holly" and at "Mor- 
ristown," but that he has not been able to learn what 
route they would take from thence ; nor was it easy to 
determine the matter from their situation. 

They will either proceed to South Amboy, or by way 
of "Brunswick." 

We have been a good deal impeded in our march by 
rainy weather. 

As soon as we have cleaned the "arms," and can get 
matters on train, we propose moving towards Princeton, 
in order to avail ourselves of any favorable occasions 
that may present themselves, for attacking or engaging 
the enemy. 

I have the honor to be writing to Major General 
Arnold. 

George; Washinoton. 

(17) 



When the soldiers again took up their hne of 
march, it was through a valley, between two 
heavily timbered hills. That valley is now 
known to us as "The Hook." The road was 
at the foot of the north hill, crossed "Swan's 
Creek," then ascended the "Old Saw-mill 
Road" to the high ground, or "Farmers' High- 
way," which was a steep ascent. Following 
this route the army reached "Hopewell," 
where they again rested. The onward march 
from there was to "Rocky Hill," "Kingston," 
Cranbury, and then to Monmouth, where they 
overtook the enemy and fought that memorable 
battle, June 28th. 

The statement regarding the army while 
here is unquestionably correct, as the writer 
heard it from the lips of an aged man — the son 
of Captain George Coryell, and grandson of 
Emanuel, at whose house some of the officers 
were entertained, he being at the time a lad 
presumably twelve or fourteen years of age. 

Washington, with other officers, was quar- 
tered at Richard Holcombe's, in the ancient 
mansion we know as "Washington's Head- 
quarters." 

It is said that just previous to their departure 

a council of war, lasting two hours, was held 

with the officers and General Greene, under an 

old apple tree at the rear of the "Mansion," 

(18) 



and it is further stated that in that house 
Washington wrote his letter to Arnold. 

Abram and John Coryell, two of the four 
sons of Emanuel, were at that time the pro- 
prietors of the "Ferry," Abram on the New 
Jersey side, and John on the Pennsylvania. 
These brothers conveyed the army across the 
river; also furnished commissary supplies 
and forage for the horses, for which they were 
paid in Continental money, which was never 
redeemed, in consequence of which these men 
were greatly impoverished. 

Mention has been made of the "Old Saw- 
mill Road," the location of the "Mill" from 
which the road derived its name being where 
Mr. Harry Montgomery's house now (1902) 
stands. The old slanting wall, over which the 
water flowed from the mill, was still there in 
the writer's childood days; also the mill-race, 
the north bank of which was supported by 
large oaks and beech trees. The dam was 
gone, but about where it had been was a 
"Mineral Spring," with a depth of four or more 
feet, and having a millstone encircling its top, 
with its waters strongly impregnated with 
iron. [The writer has often drunk of this 
water.] When undisturbed, a scum covered 
the surface, and the stones near by, together 



(19) 



with the drain from the spring, were always 
covered with a heavy, rusty sediment. 

In 1776 we find plenty of evidence that this 
region was fast becoming a farming district, 
and that the people were quite thrifty. 

There was a small "Grist-Mill" at the head 
of the "Falls," run by one Jonathan Pidcock 
(an Irishman), also a small saw-mill on 
Swan's creek, about one-half mile distant from 
the river. 

Just on the ouskirts of our town is now 
stored, in two large reservoirs, the water from 
that creek, this being the water-supply for the 
city of Lambertville. 

The tailor and the shoemaker of those days 
not infrequently plied his respective trade in 
the house of his patrons; this, perhaps, being 
done both for convenience as well as economy's 
sake ; while the schoolmaster took turns board- 
ing at the homes of his patrons. 

At the time of the Revolution there were but 
four commodious houses in the hamlet — "The 
Ferry House," Captain George Coryell's, Rich- 
ard Holcombe's and George Tanner's. Tan- 
ner's house was located on the south side of 
Coryell street, along the river bank. To this 
house was attached — on the west side — a store- 
house for the storage of grain and other mer- 
chandise. The Delaware being the highway 
(20) 



for the interchange of commerce between 
Easton and Philadelphia and the surrounding 
country, made it very profitable for this man 
who lived so near to it. Through this medium 
a large business was done, during the war, the 
produce being conveyed to and fro on large 
canoe-shaped boats, called "Durham boats," 
from the name of the place where they were 
first built. 

These "Durhams" were propelled by sails 
and setting-poles, with a long steering oar at 
the helm. 

Immense quantities of lumber were rafted 
down the Delaware annually from the Lehigh 
and Upper Delaware. Now a raft on the river 
would be a curiosity. The destruction of the 
forests, as well as two canals, has tended to 
rob the river of much of its earlier copious 
water flow. 

The oldest houses now standing are the 
"Washington Headquarters" and the Bellmont 
House, which latter Avas built by Judge John 
Coryell in 1797, where he commenced his mar- 
ried life. 

There all his children were born, and from it 
he buried both his wives and his father. Cap- 
tain George Coryell. 

The yard and surrounding grounds extended 
as far back as Coryell street. 
(21) 



Since then stories have been added, and ex- 
tensions and additions have been made, thus 
changing its appearance entirely. 

The old store-house on the southwest corner 
of Coryell and Main streets, is said to have 
been built at the same time as the Judge's 
house. 

Coryell street is the oldest street in our city. 
It is recorded that it was opened by Judge John 
Coryell in the year 1802, at which time a few 
buildinsr lots were sold. This street extended 
from Main street to the river. The ground 
east of Main street to the foot of the hill was 
known as "Bog Meadow;" the water course 
from there to the river, in wet times, being 
through what is now Ferry street. A small 
stone bridge with one arch crossed Bridge 
street about the center of Dr. Lilly's lot. The 
first house built on Coryell street at that early 
date was erected by Dr. Richard Kreusen, who 
died in 1807, aged forty-nine. (His successor 
was Dr. John Lilly.) Kreusen's widow, with 
her son and daughter, occupied this house until 
all were deceased. Opposite their home was 
the residence of Joshua Anderson. A brick 
dwelling was built on this site, in 1846, by his 
son, John H. Anderson. This house is owned 



(22) 



at the present time (1902) by Mrs. Helen 
Matthews. 

Another building lot on which a commo- 
dious frame house was erected — by whom it 
is unknown — was located midway between 
what is now Union street and Anderson's prop- 
erty. The house was purchased by Mr. Bran- 
non, a brother-in-law of Dr. John Lilly. 

On the southwest corner of Union and 
Coi-yell streets was built a frame residence, 
known to the writer as the "Yellow House." 
No doubt it was a very pretty dwelling when 
occupied by the original owners, as it had the 
appearance of having been well finished inside 
as well as out. 

The next mentioned is the property of Mrs. 
Thomas B. Fidler, which has undergone many 
changes. The date of building and original 
ownership are unknown to the writer. 

Another frame dwelling on Coryell street 
was owned, and occupied until his death, by 
a very aged man, named Charles Pidcock, a 
native-born citizen of this community. This 
house adjoined the present property of Mr. 
Jacob Heins. 

The stone house on South Main street, at the 
foot of Goat Hill, was built by Jacob Coryell, 
son of Cornelius and grandson of Emanuel. 

There is no known date of its erection, but 

(23) 



it is supposed to be coeval with the Behmont 
House, if not older. At the present time this 
house is owned by Mr. Samuel Case. 

"Tanning" was the business carried on by 
Jacob Coryell and his sons. 

The water-supply for the use of the "Tan- 
yard" came from a small brook which flowed 
down between Cottage and Goat Hills. This 
"Tannery" was in operation until a later date 
than 1840. 

On the northwest corner of Main and Coryell 
streets was a dwelling and storehouse, sup- 
posed to have been built in 1805 by Emley Hol- 
combe, who for many years kept at this place 
a store for general merchandise. 

In 1 81 2 the building of the Delaware bridge 
was begun, it being finished two years later, at 
a cost of $69,000. As this bridge was to make 
a new road or street, Captain John Lambert 
commenced the erection of a new "tavern," the 
present "Lambertville House." This was a 
well-conducted and respectable "hostlery," 
which he kept himself until his death. The 
"Ferry House" was then closed, and became a 
private dwelling. 

Judge John Coryell sold to Doctor John 
Lilly a lot of land from the "road" (Bridge 
street) to Swan's creek on the south, said lot 

(24) 



extending to Franklin street on the east, and to 
Main street on the west. 

On this lot he built a brick residence front- 
ing Bridge street. A broad path led up to the 
front door, which was covered by a commo- 
dious portico, and was reached by a flight of 
steps. There was another high porch on the 
south side, to the right of which was the base- 
ment-kitchen. What is now called Lilly street 
was the doctor's private driveway and entrance 
to his office, kitchen, etc. 

His barn, carriage-house, wood-house, "sty," 
etc., were opposite, and near enough to the 
home. 

The ground sloping towards the creek was 
cultivated for domestic purposes. 

Building lots were sold from his land on the 
east side of Main street to Solomon Landis 
and David Naylor. 

The residence, described 1:>riefly in the above, 
is now owned by Mr. John Lilly, having under- 
gone many changes since it was first built. 

The next two oldest houses on Bridge street 
besides the Lambertville House, were built by 
Jacob Smith and Philip Marshall. Marshall's 
old home is nov/ owned by the Catholic Church 
as the "Sisters' Home," while Jacob Smith's 
house is just opposite. 

The residence now owned by Randolph 

(25) 



Everett (1902) was built in 1830, by William 
Biles, who died there October, 1833. 

Samuel Hill built the house now occupied 
by Doctor George L. Romine, but the date of 
its erection could not be learned; and Samuel 
Stryker built, in 1827 or '28, the storehouse 
and dwelling next it, now occupied by the 
Catholic priest as his residence. 

The four brick houses opposite the depot 
were erected in 1830 by William and Dennis 
Hall. The contracting carpenter, who also did 
the work, was Jacob Chamberlain. The 
masons were James Appleton and William 
Hansen, the fine plasterers being "Andy" Kirk- 
patrick and John McConogy, Irishmen. 

Sometime about the year 1830 there were 
two schools for boys — these accommodating 
both boarders and day scholars were kept by 
two clergymen, Rev. Mr. Culp, Baptist, and 
Rev. P. O. Studdiford, Presbyterian, where the 
higher branches of education were pursued. 
Suspended students from Princeton who were 
far from their homes were often sent to Rev. 
Studdiford's school until their terms of sus- 
pension had expired. This school they termed 
"Botany Bay," which at that time was a 
British "penal" colony. 

In 18 1 2, the Honorable John Lambert, 
(26) 



U. S. Senator during Jefferson's Adminstra- 
tion, applied to the Post-office Department for 
a post-office. His petition being granted, he 
named the village "Lambertville," and his 
nephew, Captain John Lambert, became the 
first postmaster. 

The Coryells were very indignant at the 
name given, for they considered it a usurpation 
of their rights, and, in consequence, refused to 
accept it, calling it "Lambertsvillainy" instead. 
Their side of the village they called George- 
town, there being three prominent men living 
there, named, respectively, George Hoppock, 
George Tanner and George Coryell ; but it was 
all in vain. The post-office "Lambert's Ville" 
gained the day. Previous to that time letters 
sent to friends here were addressed : 

"Coryell's Ferry, Pa., 

"Amzvell, New Jersey." 

When the town was incorporated the letter 
"s" was dropped, and it is now the City of 
Lambertville.^ 



* The name of John Lambert appears in the records of 
State and country as well as those of his native town. 
He was a member of the Legislature and Council of 
New Jersey, and at one time acting Governor. He was 
also a member of the House of Representatives, and, as 
we have stated above, United States Senator during 
Jefferson's administration. 

(27) 



In 1 8 17 the Presbyterian Church was built. 
This structure was made of bricks, which were 
burned on Main street, about forty yards north 
of the First Ward School House, at the foot of 
Mt. Hope. The timber used was hewn from 
the woods, being contributed to a large extent 
by the country people. Dr. Studdiford said 
the massive beams were indeed a sight to be- 
hold. There were two front doors to the build- 
ing, but no vestibule. Inside a galleiy ex- 
tended round three sides — the north, east and 
south — while the pulpit was on the west. This 
was very high, being reached by a flight of 
stairs with a door at the bottom. That the 
pulpit occupied this "lofty" position was prob- 
ably for the convenience of the worshippers in 
the gallery. 

The collection was taken up in a black 
pocket, attached to the end of a long pole. 
This, with other "conveniences," was kept in 
a closet under the pulpit stairs. No carpeted 
floor nor cushioned pew adorned this church ; 
nor footstool — unless it was a personal conven- 
ience to some individual — and no paint on the 
pews, save on the top, where was a strip of 
molding painted red, and that was always so 
moist in the summer time that if the worshij>- 
pers happened to lean against it they were sure 
to carry away with them the marks of the paint. 
(28) 



(The above is an accurate description of the 
"First Church" in this city.) 

On the fourth of July, eighteen hundred 
and twenty-six, just fifty years from the time 
of the "Declaration of Independence" of 
America, there occurred a celebration of that 
event in this church. Over the pulpit hung a 
"Spread Eagle" made of moss, while from a 
circular centerpiece in the ceiling was sus- 
pended a large cedar bush filled with bright- 
colored "holly hocks." 

The writer, being at that time less than five 
years of age, was allowed to attend the celebra- 
tion, in company with an older sister, but she 
had neither eyes, ears nor understanding for 
anything but that "beautiful cedar bush," 
which to this day stands out fresh in her mem- 
ory. 

Mr. Samuel Kinsey, of New Hope, read 
the "Declaration of Independence," and an 
appropriate song for the occasion was sung to 
the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," with a chorus 
to each verse, beginning "Just fifty years ago." 

The father of the late Dr. Breed, of New 
Hope, was one of the singers, if not the soloist, 
on that great day. He was, presumably, a 
prominent member of the church, and memo- 
rial tablets to himself and his family may be 

(29) 



seen in the old graveyard on the north side of 
the edifice. 

The farmer, who with his family, attended 
divine worship, was seldom out of his place. 

In summer he wore no coat tO' church, but a 
nicely laundered shirt of bleached muslin, an 
equally nice Marseilles vest, linen trousers and 
a clean straw hat completed his "Sunday-go-to- 
meeting" outfit. 

In 1825, nearly eighty years ago, five dis- 
ciples of Christ, earnestly desiring to enjoy 
the blessings of church relationship, according 
to the New Testament teachings, resolved to 
unite in the formation and constitution of the 
Lambertville Baptist Church. 

The first church-meeting was held on the 
twelfth of February, 1825, at which time it 
was resolved to erect a house of worship, and 
a committee was appointed to procure sub- 
scriptions for that purpose. Having been suc- 
cessful in their efforts, work was begun, and 
on June the thirteenth the corner-stone of this 
edifice was laid with appropriate exercises ; and 
the house being completed the following Oc- 
tober, was dedicated to the worship of God. 

The church was a very neat structure, being 
built of stone, and rough-cast. The roof pro- 
jected over the porch, which extended the en- 
(30) 



tire length of the front, and was supported by 
four large pillars, they, also, having the same 
rough coating as the building proper. 

Like the Presbyterian Church, there was no 
vestibule, but two front doors, through which 
entrance was effected into the main room. 
Under tliis room was a basement, divided into 
two compartments. The one to the west was 
always used for a school-room, while the east 
room was put to such use as the occasion re- 
quired. 

.Vbout the year 1829 two English families, 
named respectively "Frost and Fennel," and 
related to each other, came to the village. 
There being no vacant houses just then, they 
took up their abode in this east room until they 
could find better accommodations. To the 
school children on the other side these people 
were a great curiosity. The women made 
thread lace, while the children, very much in- 
terested, watched them through the windows. 

The process of making the lace seemed quite 
complicated to those onlookers. The work was 
done on a round cushion, made so by stuffing it 
like a bag. This cushion was supported on a 
trestle, while to it was fastened a strip of per- 
perforated horn filled with pins, which looked 
like those we use for ordinary purposes. From 
the cushion hung a lot of pendant bobbins, 

(31) 



filled with the thread, the pattern, no doubt, 
being traced on the "horn," of which we have 
already spoken. 

In the fall of this same year (1829) these 
people bought a live hog for slaughter, the 
"butchering" taking place in the yard. "Ne- 
cessity, the mother of' invention," came to their 
aid at this time. After the death of the animal 
they improvised a gallows, on which it was 
suspended, but not having the conveniences 
for scalding off the bristles, as is the custom in 
America, they procured a bundle of straw and 
singed them instead. 

Mrs. Frost had considerable difficulty in 
purchasing supplies for the family, not being 
familiar with the names we call the articles in 
this country. 

On one occasion she accosted a man with 
" 'Man dear,' where do you get 'treacle' ? I 
have been to every store in the place, and ca-ant 
get a bit." "Go ask them for molasses," he 
replied, "and you will get 'treacle.' " 

India-rubber shoes at that period had never 
been heard of, and Americans plodded through 
the mud and snow in thick leather foot cover- 
ings. These women, in bad, sloppy weather, 
wore on their feet an iron ring, a few inches 
in height, fastened on the shoes, which they 
(32) 



called "Pattens." This raised their feet from 
the snow and mud. 

Having given a brief description of these 
people and, what seemed to the inhabitants, 
their eccentricities, we again turn our attention 
to the interior of the upper room, which I will 
try tO' picture to your imagination. From the 
entrance to the rear of the church the floor had a 
steep and awkward ascent. Why it is not easy 
tO' imagine, unless the architect suited his plans 
to the fashion of the times ; since all the women 
of that day wore bonnets with immense fronts, 
and crowns in them, proportionately large to 
accommodate the high-back comb then in 
vogue. Had it not been for the elevated floor, 
those sitting in the middle and rear of the 
church would never have been able to see the 
minister while he was preaching. 

The pulpit occupied a position in the front 
of the church, thus enabling each one who 
entered to see those who followed, without turn- 
ing round, as is done, sometimes, by the 
curious. 

There were a number of supporting posts or 
pillars in the audience room, extending to the 
ceiling, which were adorned by a sort of hang- 
ing candlestick, composed of a strip of tin, 
with a hole in it, to hang it up by, a semi-cir- 
cular dripping-pan with a fluted edge, and a 

(33) 



little tin tube in it, to hold the "tallow-dip." 
No' snuffers having been provided, one young 
lady, who had recently become a member of the 
church, commenced her Christian work by 
taking with her a pair of scissors, and, as it be- 
came necessary, clipped the wicks on Jier side 
of the church. This was in 1838 and later, but 
previous to that time evening services were 
very seldom held. 

The "Choir," or "Foresingers," as they were 
then called, consisted of three or four men, who 
chanced to be the "Deacons." These men 
stood in front of the pulpit and faced the audi- 
ence, the leading "foresinger" lining the verses 
of the hymns in a very solemn manner. This 
was done so all the congregation could sing, 
as there were only a few hymn-books. 

The church was heated by twO' sheet-iron 
stoves, set in a box of sand. The fuel used was 
"Stone Coal." Stovepipes extended from the 
front of the building to the back, where the 
chimney was located, being held in position 
by wires, fastened to the ceiling. These pipes 
served in part as heaters. 

The collection was taken up in the same kind 
of apparatus as that used by our Presbyterian 
brethren. 

The "Stone Coal," as it was then called, and 
wdiich we have merely mentioned, was brought 

(34) 



from the coal regions of the Lehigh and Dela- 
ware rivers, on "Arks," there being no other 
means of transportation at that time. It came 
in immense rocks, pieces being chipped off for 
use by means of a large sledge-hammer. 

It was burned in churches, stores and other 
large buildings, but not until a much later date 
did it become a domestic and household fuel. 

Mr. Jacob Smith, a blacksmith, and the 
father of the late "Amos Smith," was the first 
one to use it in his forge. 

"The Arks," on which the coal was conveyed 
to market, were never sent back, but were sold 
for the lumber they contained. 

The first pastor to take charge of the Bap- 
tist Church was the Rev. Samuel Trot, who 
^vas called in connection with the Harbourton 
church, preaching at the latter every alternate 
Sunday, as did also the Rev. P. O. Studdiford, 
who served both Lambertville and Solebury. 
This arrangement gave a preaching service to 
the citizens of Lambertville every Sabbath 
morning. 

Mr. Trot received for his services to this 
church a salary of one hundred and twenty- 
five dollars a year. He served for a period of 
four and one-half years, when he resigned. 

On the 5th of January, 1832, David B. 
Stout was called as pastor. He remained five 

(35) 



years, resigning April i6th, 1837. When he 
became the pastor the membership numbered 
but nineteen ; when he resigned it had increased 
to eighty-five. Under the ministry of the 
former pastor, Mr. Trot, the church had be- 
come somewhat leavened with "The Old 
School" Theology, which did not advocate 
Sunday-schools, missions, ministerial educa- 
tion, etc. This was distasteful to many until 
the feeling culminated in something like a divi- 
sion under Brother Stout's pastorate. The 
majority of the members, however, held to the 
doctrine denominated "New School," while a 
number of the opposite way of thinking called 
for letters of dismissal, and united with the 
"Harbourton" and other "Old School" 
churches. 

During the year 1835 it was resolved to en- 
large the edifice. This work was begun in 
July and finished the following October, the 
cost being about three hundred and sixty-five 
dollars, and the alterations a "botch." 

In 1830 the late Dr. Samuel Lilly, a boy of 
fifteen, came from New York city to visit his 
uncle, Dr. John Lilly. When the time of his 
visit had expired, his uncle, finding he had en- 
joyed himself so well, asked him if he would 
like to make his home here, to which he 
promptly replied in the affirmative. 
(36) 



From that time the uncle's house became his 
home until his death. 

Although but seventeen years of age at the 
time the town was visited by the "Cholera 
Epidemic," he was an invaluable assistant to 
his uncle John. 

About the time of his visit (1830) the 
"Stone-house" (on the hillside), which later 
became the hospital for cholera patients, was 
in course of erection. The rafters were in 
place, but the house was unshingled, when 
Samuel (boy-like) one Sunday climbed to the 
top, and, seating himself on the rafters, pro- 
ceeded to take a view of his surroundings, also 
to count the number of buildings he could see. 
Just previous to his death he related this cir- 
cumstance to the writer, and told her he had 
counted just one hundred buildings in the vil- 
lage. 

It is said that just below the "Falls" there 
stood a "Stone Tavern," where the watermen 
were wont to halt and "refresh" themselves 
after encountering the perils of "the Rocks" in 
the Delaware. This tavern was also a great 
place for card-playing, drinking and fisticuff 
fighting. As one side of the building was set 
against the hill, that side of the roof sloped 
down to the ground. 

Late one night a jovial party had assembled 

(37) 



there for their "usual enjoyment," when some 
boys procured a "black ram," led him up the 
roof and shoved him down the chimney. The 
animal gave a loud "Bah," sprang for the door, 
upset the table, and struck consternation in the 
hearts of the gamesters, who fled for their 
lives (likewise the sheep). Ever after, these 
people believed they had indeed seen his "Sa-. 
tanic Majesty" materialized, "for they had a 
glimpse of his hoofs and horns," so they said. 

At a very early period the "Hamlet" was 
called by the disgraceful title of "Bungtown." 
Why this term was given tO' it has never been 
very clearly defined. 

At the foot of Coryell street were the 
wharves, where the boats received and un- 
loaded freight, which was often stored in Tan- 
ner's store-house. It is asserted that on one 
occasion a barrel of whiskey was left on the 
wharf for a short time, when some miscreants 
stole the contents from the bung-hole, either to 
get gloriously drunk on the spot or for future 
use. 

As early as 1760 it was called by this name, 
for we find that the arbitrators, in apportioning 
the real estate of Emanuel Coryell to his heirs, 
awarded to his son George the "Bungtown" 
lot, said lot starting from Church street and 
extending to Delevan, which makes the above 

(38) 



story seem plausible, as tO' the origin of the 
name, which clung to it for many years. 

In 1832 the construction of the Delaware 
and Raritan canal was begun. 

Two superintendents, Captain Andrews and 
Captain Mason, had general control of the 
work from Bool's Island to Trenton, and prob- 
ably all the way to New Brunswick. These 
men sub-let small sections to competent con- 
tractors. 

Just below the present rubber mill on Main 
street a village of small shanties for families 
and large boarding shanties sprung intO' exist- 
ence, and emigrants poured in by the shiploads. 

Distressed creatures they were, too, these 
men and women, carrying on their backs and 
heads all their earthly possessions, and looking 
like Bunyan's Pilgrim, fleeing from the City 
of Destruction. They also brought with them 
a pestilence. 

Quarantine restrictions evidently were not, 
at that time, what they are at the present. 
The epidemic of "Asiatic Cholera" broke out 
among these people, spreading, not only 
through the town, but to the outlying districts. 

One Sunday three men were walking from 
Bool's Island to the town, when, on nearing 
it, one of the number was suddenly stricken 
with the dread disease. His companions hur- 

(39) 



ried him, with all speed, to the doctors, and 
from there he was taken to an Irish boarding 
house, located on the southeast corner of Main 
and Lilly streets, but the terrified inmates re- 
fused him admittance, so he was carried to the 
barn and made as comfortable as the circum- 
stances would permit, but he died in the course 
of a few hours. The next morning his com- 
panions took his clothing and whatever blan- 
kets had been used about him, carried them on 
long poles across the meadow and buried them 
back of the Baptist Church on what is now 
Ferry street. 

This was the first case. The entire com- 
munity was dreadfully alarmed, as they had 
ample cause to be. The late x\shbel Welch, 
then a young civil engineer in the employ of 
the Canal Company, at once took an active 
part in organizing a Board of Health, procur- 
ing hospital accommodations and providing a 
"Potter's Field" for the burial of its victims. 
The stone house on the side of the hill just 
opposite the lot owned by Mr. John Lilly stood 
in the same unfinished condition as his father, 
when a boy, had found it. Workmen were at 
once set to work to finish it as rapidly as pos- 
sible for the admission of patients, and nurses 
were procured. A great many of the floating 
homeless were taken there, and perhaps many 

(40) 



others, but it is not known that one cholera 
victim left it alive, and one of the nurses (a 
colored man) died at his own home. 

The children on the streets shunned all the 
emigrants as well as any dirty-looking people. 
The doctors and the Board of Health issued 
precautions, both as to diet and cleanliness. 

To the dirty and dissipated, when stricken, 
it was, without fail, fatal, and such victims 
lived but a few hours after being taken with 
this dreadful disease. Multitudes were buried 
in the Potter's Field, the location of which was 
on the south side of the Rocktown road, a little 
below the farm now owned by Mr. John Lilly, 
on land which he purchased recently (1901), 
and on the verge of a small gully. 

Nor were the residents of the town exempt 
from this dreadful plague. A little indiscre- 
tion in diet or exposure would very often result 
fatally. Even "Cholera Morbus" became epi- 
demic, it being so nearly allied to cholera, and 
not infrequently caused death. Surely this 
year (1832) was one of terror and gloom to 
the inhabitants, and depression seemed depicted 
on every countenance, as each one felt he might 
be the next victim. In the year 1849 and 1854 
the town was again visited by this plague, 
many dying; but there was no comparison in 
the death rate either time to that of 1832. 
(41) 



In the spring of 1834, as work on the canal 
was in progress at Bool's Island, a riot, which 
seemed to have been the outcome of an ancient 
feud, broke out between two factions of the 
Irish — the ''Corkonians" and the "Fardowns." 
These rioters did not use knives nor shotguns, 
but whatever ammunition they could lay hold 
of the most easily. One Sunday afternoon 
news came from the island to the townspeople 
of a murderous affray up there, and the militia 
was sent for. They appeared on the scene of 
action the following morning, but the rioters 
had by that time quieted down. Still, these 
men, although few in number, looked very 
imposing in their blue uniforms with red trim- 
mings, and their presence had a good effect on 
the two factions. 

Of course the soldiers had many funny ad- 
ventures to relate. One story they told on 
their return was to the effect that when they 
arrived in sight of the "enemy" the "Captain" 
of the militia, being a timid man, turned to his 
men and said, "Don't they always pick off the 
'Officers' first?" and on being answered in the 
affirmative, he replied, "Then, I guess I will 
get back in the rear." 

The militia consisted of about half a dozen 
soldiers, for the writer saw them leave the 
town, so one can imagine how ridiculous must 

(42) 




DKLAWARH BRIDGK JN TIME OF FRESHET. 



From " The Delaware Valley 
and the Pocono Mountains," 

By courtesy of 

Ferris & Leach, Publishers, 

Philadelphia, Pa. 



have been the leader's reply. Finding they 
would not be needed, the militia returned the 
same evening, bringing with them, however, 
two or three prisoners, who were put, for safe 
keeping, in an unused wheelwright shop on 
Main street, a guard being placed at each door 
and window to prevent their escape. 

Later they were reprimanded very severely, 
ordered to keep the peace, and finally dismissed, 
after which there were no further outbreaks. 

On the 8th of January, 1841, occurred the 
greatest freshet the Delaware has ever known. 
Although the writer remembers very distinctly 
every incident connected with this most dis- 
astrous flood, such an accurate account of it, 
from the pen of some Lambertville resident, 
not known, was published in the Hunterdon 
Gazette the day following that a copy of said 
letter is found below : 

Lambertville, January 8, 1841. 
(Friday Evening.) 

Rapid Rise in the Delaware River— Great Destruc- 
tion OF Property, Etc. 

This has been a day of general excitement throughout 
the village and neighborhood, and doubtless will be 
long remembered. We have just returned from wit- 
nessing a scene that no pen can adequately describe. 
At an early hour this morning we heard the roaring of 
the waters and hastened to the scene of destruction. 
The river was then filled with floating masses of timber. 

(43) 



etc., consisting principally of piles of lumber, logs, and 
fragments of buildings. The river was then rising at a 
rapid rate, and continued to rise until about three 
o'clock, when it appeared to be at a stand. It is now 
some five or six feet higher than was ever known be- 
fore by the oldest inhabitants. The canal had filled 
rapidly, in consequence of the river breaking in above 
this place, and threatened destruction to that part of 
the town and to the extensive mills, etc., on the Water- 
power. The citizens were preparing to leave their 
houses, when the large waste-weir, opposite Holcomb's 
basin — about half a mile above the village — by the 
force of the water, gave way; which seemed provi- 
dential — else the consequence might have been serious 
indeed, if the canal had given way in the town. The 
lumber-yards, storehouses, mills, etc., and other prop- 
erty situated along the river were in imminent peril 
throughout the day. 

About half-past ten o'clock, fears began to be enter- 
tained for the safety of the New Hope Delaware Bridge, 
as the river was then nearly up to the floor. 

The ice and drift-stuff increased, and struck the piers 
and timbers of the bridge with tremendous force. Large 
coal-boats, heavy saw-logs, and cakes of ice were 
lodging against it, and had forced apart one or two of 
the piers on the Jersey side. About eleven o'clock we 
heard the astounding cry, from many voices, that Centre 
Bridge was coming down, as we anticipated. 

All eyes were fixed upon two large massive pieces 
of the bridge, which were seen floating down a short 
distance above, by the resistless current, in terrific 
grandeur. The feelings of the spectators, at that 
moment, were deep and thrilling and may be imagined, 
but cannot be described. 

One of the pieces struck about midway, with an 
awful crash, passed through, and carried away one of 
the arches of the bridge. The other soon followed, and 
took with it another arch, on the Jersey side. The 

(44) 



Jersey pier soon gave way and the third arch followed, 
and lodged a short distance below. Thus one-half of 
this noble structure, which has stood the freshets for 
nearly thirty years, has been suddenly carried away. 
The other part on the Pennsylvania side still remained 
when we left, although much shattered. * * * jf 
the river should take a second rise, the consequences 
may be still more awful. To describe the scenes we 
have witnessed to-day is painful in the extreme. 

Yours, etc.. 



One instance relating to the flood is worth 
describing : 

At the time "Centre Bridge" gave way, Mr. 
Fell, who had engaged to attend to the receipts 
of toll at that place during the temporary ab- 
sence of the gatekeeper, was crossing over the 
bridge for that purpose when it floated off. 
Fearing danger from the crushing timbers 
overhead, and seeing a portion of the roof of 
the bridge floating near him, he succeeded, by 
the aid of a plank, in reaching it and freeing 
himself from the main body of the bridge. At 
this place an heroic effort was made to rescue 
him from his perilous position by Messrs. 
Hiram Scarborough and William M. Jones, 
using a bateau, but they failed to accomplish 
their purpose. Mr. Fell passed under the 
bridge, here lying flat upon the "float," and was 
severely scratched and bruised by being raked 
over by the floor of the structure. On he went, 

(45) 



down this swelling flood. At this time Mr. 
Henry Fell, his nephew, reached New Hope 
from Centre Bridge on horseback, and was ad- 
vised by Mr. William H. Murray and others to 
take the river road on the Jersey side. This 
he did. Mr. Murray mounted a spirited steed 
and was determined to follow Fell over the 
same route, but so greatly was the bridge here 
endangered that his friends entreated him not 
to attempt to cross it. Dr. Corson even grasp- 
ing the bridle reins with a firm hand. A lash 
from a halter-strap upon the sides of the 
spirited animal made him plunge so excitedly 
that to hold him was next to impossible, and 
he dashed away with his rider at a rapid pace. 
Water was then floating inside the bridge, and 
some of the planks of the floor were, perhaps, 
moved from their places, and in at least one 
case, where the horse made a leap of about 
ten feet, the planks were gone entirely. He got 
safely across, however, and joined Henry Fell 
on this side, barely in time to escape the col- 
lision of the Centre Bridge wreck with the 
Jersey end of the bridge here, when one-half 
of this time-honored structure between the two 
States was swept away. 

Messrs. Murray and Fell, on horseback, 
dashed along the river-side; but at Goat Hill 
the road was impassable, and they had to take 

(46) 



a circuitous route to follow the man they were 
so eager to see saved. 

They had to change horses once or twice, 
the fields traversed being temporarily quag- 
mired by the torrents of rainfall. The swift 
current bore the helpless man in the river in a 
very winding course, first near to one shore 
and then near the opposite shore. He had ex- 
hausted his strength and given up hope, when 
below Yardleyville a man named Nicholas went 
out in a boat and rolled Mr. Fell into his 
frail craft (he being unable to help himself) 
and took him to shore. The two horsemen 
mentioned arrived and helped to transport him 
to Lambertville. Excitement on both sides of 
the river was intense. 

In this city eleven persons belonging on the 
New Hope side were "necessarily detained." 
Signal guns were fired, and large transparen- 
cies that could be seen across the river gave in 
large letters the information "All Are Safe." 

The next day the "Sojourners" here took a 
boat and went to within half a mile of Centre 
Bridge. Three men ventured in the first trip 
across, including William H. Murray and 
Hiram Scarborough. They pulled hard on the 
oars, came near capsizing, and landed in Phil- 
lip's Eddy. 

As soon as possible after the rescue a horse- 

(47) 



man bore the glad news to Mr. Fell's family 
at Centre Bridge. After being satisfied that 
his friends were apprised of his safety, he then 
retired to bed and took a refreshing sleep, and, 
as soon as safety would permit, crossed the 
river and returned to his anxious family. Mr. 
Fell liberally rewarded the man who saved 
his life. 

Five bridges between Easton and Trenton 
were swept away by this freshet, and four of 
them were behind Mr. Fell. His escape under 
such conditioi.is was indeed miraculous. 

It is probable that a small majority of our 
townspeople know that James Wilson Mar- 
shall, the King of Gold-finders, was, from his 
infancy until twenty-four years of age, a citi- 
zen of Lambertville, and that it was he who 
blazed the way to California in 1848. 

In the fall of 1834 Marshall left this city 
and went West, first to Indiana, then to Illinois 
and subsequently to the "Platte Purchase," 
near "Fort Leavenworth," Kansas. 

Here he bought a farm, but, owing to 
malarial attacks, he was compelled, in a few 
years, to sell out. 

About that time people had begun to talk 
about the fertile valleys and broad rivers of 
far-away "California," so on the first day of 
(48) 



May, eighteen hundred and forty-four, he, 
with a train, consisting of one hundred 
wagons, set out for the ahnost unexplored 
West. After a weary journey, full of adven- 
tures and vicissitudes, the party reached Cali- 
fornia in June, eighteen hundred and forty- 
five, and camped at "Cache Creek," about forty 
miles from where Sacramento now stands. 

Here the adventurers parted to continue 
their journeyings in different directions. Mar- 
shall and a few others going to Sutter's Fort, 
El Doradoi county, California, where Marshall 
went to work for General Sutter. His life 
at this fort was an uneventful one, until the 
summer of '46, when the Mexicans, hearing 
that a large body of American emigrants 
were crossing the plains, resolved tO' prevent 
them from entering California, and what was 
known as the "Bear Flag War" was fought, 
Marshall taking a prominent part in all the 
engagements of that short war. 

When, at last, in March, 1847, the treaty 
was signed by which the independence of Cali- 
fornia was secured, Marshall procured his dis- 
charge from the "Volunteer" service, and re- 
turned to Sutter's Fort. 

Before the breaking out of the war just re- 
ferred tO' he had purchased two^ leagues of land 
on the north side of Butte creek, in what is 

(49) 



now Butte county. When he returned he 
found that the majority of his stock had either 
strayed away or been stolen. However, he 
did not waste his time in vain regrets, but set 
about to formulate a plan to retrieve his for- 
tune. 

Having decided to go into the lumbering 
business, he fixed upon "Coloma," in El Do- 
rado county, as a good location for a saw-mill. 
Sutter agreed to furnish the capital for this 
enterprise, and Marshall was to be the active 
partner. 

The articles of partnership were drawn up 
by General Bidwell, and work was begun on 
the mill in August, 1847. (It was on the eigh- 
teenth of January, the following year, in the 
race of that same mill, that he made the dis- 
covery which accomplished, financially, the 
ruin of both General Sutter and himself.) The 
gold in California was not of itself the most 
valuable find in that astonishing common- 
wealth. This naturally attracted immigration, 
and the in-flowing population found the climate 
and the soil of the country just as rich as its 
gold mines. Real estate which had been 
bought for fifty dollars was sold, thirty years 
later for one million. 

At one time, it has been asserted by one 
who professed to know, Mr. Marshall was 

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worth at least one hundred thousand dollars, 
but his generosity had no limit. He gave to all 
who' asked of him. As he had no business 
qualifications, sharpers took advantage of him, 
and when shrewd business men came in and 
built up the little town of Coloma, Mr. Mar- 
shall was soon cheated out of all his property. 
His money he had given away, or lent it where 
it would never be returned. His property 
rights were ignored by "squatters," his horses 
were stolen, his cattle and working oxen 
slaughtered by hungry miners, until all was 
gone. There was no law to protect him from 
the depredations of these men, and when, at 
last, there was some "appeal," the rascals had 
left for parts unknown. 

It has been said that Marshall was a man of 
great peculiarities. He certainly was a man 
with varying moods, being sometimes free and 
friendly with his associates, while at other 
times he was morbid and ill-tempered. He 
was very visionary and a firm believer in 
Spiritualism. 

The following quotation from a letter writ- 
ten by him to a friend in Lambertville goes to 
show how keenly he felt the lack of faith in 
those he had trusted. He says : "When I 
think of the past, and look over the list, God 



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forgive me if I have but little or no confidence 
in Man." 

Be it told to the shame of the State of Cali- 
fornia and the nation that he, by whom the 
great discovery of gold was made, who himself 
became bankrupt, although he enriched the 
nation, -in gold alone, one billion dollars, James 
Wilson Marshall, at the age of seventy- four 
years, was permitted to die in a county hos- 
pital, because he was homeless and penniless, 
when he should have been liberally pensioned 
by the government. 

A few years ago there was erected at Co- 
loma, California, a monumental statue of Mr. 
Marshall. It presents a very striking appear- 
ance. It is ten feet high, weighs 650 pounds, 
and is made of zinc. The figure is in an easy 
attitude. In the right hand, which is close to 
the body, is a large nugget of gold, and the 
left hand is extended, with the forefinger point- 
ing downward to the historic mill-race, where 
the gold was discovered. 

In 1868, when the present Baptist Church 
edifice was commenced, Mr. Marshall fur- 
nished a specimen of the gold to be placed in 
the corner-stone of that building, his father 
and mother being two of the five constituents 
of the first church in 1825. 



(52) 



Reflections on the Present and Past in 
Lambertville. 

While resting on Mt. Hope's green hillside, 
Looking down in the valley below, 

A train of reflections possessed me 
On the present and time long ago. 

From workshops the whistles were shrieking, 
The laborers ceased their employ ; 

Men and children went wearily homeward, 
Their well-deserved rest to enjoy. 

There were boats on the narrow mock river, 
Which man for convenience had made. 

That wealth might flow into his coffers 

Through this link of connection with trade. 

The telegraph, like a long clothesline, 
Stretched as far as my vision could reach, 

Bearing tiding of every description 
By means of mysterious speech. 

The coal train, a black, trailing serpent, 
Seemed winding its way in great length, 

While the engine, another huge monster, 
Snorted steam in the pride of his strength. 

Then I turned me and looked upon Nature ; 

Her familiar face, as of yore. 
Was still green on memory's pages, 

Alas, I could see it no more. 

The hillsides are shorn of their forests, 
Handsome dwellings adorn the plateau; 

Whate'er was romantic or rustic. 

There is naught of it left that I know. 

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The old spring house where mineral water 
To the ill gave promise of health, 

Which is better by far than diamonds 
Or mines of mineral wealth — 

I remember, though long since it happened, 
I remember, and now tell the tale, 

That the spring house was guilty of selling 
A drink that was not Adam's ale. 

The leisure of evenings and Sundays 
To the lucrative business was given. 

Yet to-day — I am sorry to say it — 

Men balance such profits 'gainst heaven. 

But the wages of sin are accursed, 

The actors are gone as a dream ; 
Suppressed was the death-giving water, 

For the building was washed down the stream. 

I remember the beech trees, whose branches, 
Protecting us well with their shade, 

Made a place of resort in my childhood, 
Beneath them I often have played. 

How we laid round the stones for a play-house, 

And called it a palace so fine; 
The greensward of earth was our carpet, 

All flowered with bloom of wild thyme. 

Adorned with our garland of daisies, 
With bonnets and sashes of leaves. 

Our tea-sets we made of the acorns, 
Life brings us no pleasures like these. 

The dates and the names of the gravers 

Encircled the trees on their rind. 
But the axe of the merciless woodman 

Leaves no visitor's record behind. 

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The changes I see in the valley 

Recall the fancies that roam, 
New scenes in the vision before mc 

Make me feel like a stranger at home. 

And there is that city so silent, 

Its inhabitants now not a few, 
White tablets above them so spectral 

Record names of the dear ones I knew. 

Even there in life's morning, in rambles, 
How often I've culled the wild flowers, 

Gathered nuts in their season, and berries. 
And sat in the shade of the bowers. 

Noon and evening have followed the morning 

For life's emblematic of day, 
And we all to that city are hastening, 

Short at longest on earth is our stay. 

And when, like our kindred and neighbors. 
Our labors in this world shall cease, 

God grant that for us there's a mansion 
In the glorious City of Peace. 

Sarah A. Gallagher, 1873. 



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